Developing the GENE Pool The challenges and benefits of developing a collaborative employer forum Anne Hillary University of East Anglia, Norwich

Background: Graduate Employment for Norfolk’s Economy GENE GradsNorfolk – a local authority funded project to promote graduate employability in partnership with Norfolk Network - ‘Bridging the employability gap’ Project with a wider county- approach (i.e. not just UEA) GENE established in October 2008 after employer breakfast meeting Replaced Careers Centre Steering Group

Why & Who? Within UEA – C&E steering group requirement for consultation on new course developments Increasing sectoral approach (reflecting the sector-based Sub Regional Economic Partnership at that time) Local FE/HE representation + academic, SU and support staff UEA Business support organisations Local and national recruiters SME’s (Important)

What? Affiliation rather than membership Bi-Monthly meetings Sector focus as well as skills debates Themes proposed by GENE coordinator in consultation with members LinkedIn and (currently slight) web presence http://www.uea.ac.uk/careers/about/employers/network Grown to 250 members with meeting attendance ranging from 20 - 40, but input electronically on topics Course development & research Recommendations to staff Event support

http://www.linkedin.com/groups?updates=&gid=3679753&updatesFrom=all

Special subjects (reflecting ‘our’ needs + the wider economy) GENE Global – 2011 – internationalisation of the workforce, developing new markets overseas, international internships Creative Industries Financial Industries ICT/Creative Industries Internships – Good practice and National Minimum Wage

Benefits? Employer perception – want to deal with ‘Education’ not education institutions when it comes to employability Greater understanding of HE/FE process and what is ‘contained’ within a Level 4 + qualification ‘Pool’ of employers to contact Greater connection on employability within university In 2010, appointed as the organisation to represent Higher Level Skills in Norfolk on the Norfolk Employment and Skills Board (which feeds into New Anglia Local Enterprise Partnership)

What they say about GENE Employer: “GENE provides a rare and valued opportunity to bring key players from the public, private and education sectors around a common table to discuss, debate and initiate actions to better match and prepare graduates to the needs of employers” Academic: “For us, GENE goes beyond a discussion and information forum, it has enabled us to become part of a dedicated and motivated team, not just increasing our understanding of the issues, but participating in actions that directly influence the quality of our likely future staff”.

Challenges? Growing the network in a meaningful fashion Encouraging debate between, and in place of, meetings Resources Employer/Educator balance - keeping it meaningful for the employer Actions not words - making sure something happens 

Aspirations? Grow the membership More smaller task-groups to work on course development/sector issues etc Engage non-engaged academics - that they see the value of such interactions Proper website - resources and information online + RSS feeds and improved online interaction More time………